This Research Assistant position is in a laboratory focused on host-pathogen interactions during osteomyelitis (bone infection), and osteo-immunologic crosstalk. The laboratory uses a number of tools, including cell culture, a murine models, multi-modal imaging, and flow cytometry.

The Research Assistant will work alongside the Primary Investigator and trainees to conduct experiments, prepare reagents, order research supplies, and maintain mouse colonies. Specific responsibilities will include:

* Read and follow experimental protocols.
* Organize and conduct experiments with minimal direct supervision after initial training period.
* Analyze experimental data and interpret results, summarize findings, and prepare presentations.
* Preparation of bacterial and cell culture growth media and other reagents for experiments.
* Maintain and handle various cell lines, tissue culture media, and other reagents for microbiology work.
* Make stock buffers and reagents.
* Package and ship reagents.
* Supervise and manage everyday laboratory activities, including ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and cleanliness, etc.
* Perform other research and laboratory maintenance tasks as directed by supervisor.
* Assist in maintenance of mouse colonies and conducting experiments with mice.
* Maintain documentation and laboratory records.
* Attend and participate in laboratory meetings.
* Plan individual workload in coordination with team members.
* Maintain a clean and safe laboratory work environment.

Preferred skills and experience:
* Prior experience in a molecular microbiology, cell biology, or immunology laboratory.
* Experience in basic bacteriology, cell culture techniques, flow cytometry, and/or animal models of disease.
* Comfortable working with mice.
* Self-motivated work-ethic.
* Ability to perform basic computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Endnote, Photoshop, Prism) - data entry, data analysis.
* Excellent communication skills.
* Efficient time management skills.

Position Shift : Days

Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center:

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. It is a place where your diversity -- of culture, thinking, learning and leading -- is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt's mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.

VUMC Recent Accomplishments

Because we are committed to providing the best in patient care, education and research, we are proud of our recent accomplishments:

• US News & World Report: #1 Adult Hospital in Tennessee and metropolitan Nashville, named to the Best Hospitals Honor Roll of the top 20 adult hospitals, 10 nationally ranked adult specialty programs, with 3 specialties rated in the top 10 nationally, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt named as one of the Best Children's Hospital in the nation, with 10 out of 10 pediatric specialties nationally ranked.
• Healthcare's Most Wired: Among the nation's 100 "most-wired" hospitals and health systems for its efforts in innovative medical technology.
• Becker's Hospital Review: named as one of the "100 Great Hospitals in America", in the roster of 100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs and to its list of the 100 Hospitals with Great Heart Programs.
• The Leapfrog Group: One of only 10 children's hospitals in the to be named at Leapfrog Top Hospital.
• American Association for the Advancement of Science: The School of Medicine has 112 elected fellows
• Magnet Recognition Program: Received our third consecutive Magnet designations.
• National Academy of Medicine: 22 members, elected by their peers in recognition of outstanding achievement
• Human Rights Campaign Healthcare Equality Index: 6 ^th year in a row that Vanderbilt University Medical Center was a Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality.